Sailing Under Threat: Preserving Accessibility and Innovation in Our Boatyards and Marinas
By Paul Kaplan, Owner of KKMI Sausalito boatyard
I grew up with the ambition to become a marine biologist. I also admired adults that built their lives around the maritime industry. Who would have ever thought it would be possible merge these two goals?
As the owner of KKMI, we developed Marin’s only Clean Certified boatyard (FYI - there are six boatyards in Marin County). We have also been recognized as “Boat Yard of the Year” by our national marine trade association. My life’s mission has been to share my love for water and our sport with as many people as possible and to do so in a sustainable manner. Today, our industry is at risk. The boating community is under increasing economic pressure, and if we don’t act, we risk turning a tradition into an activity accessible only to a few. The consequences of this will have ripple effects on the livelihoods of marine tradespeople, canvas shops, and other waterfront businesses.
According to the 2024 Sail America Economic Outlook, new boat sales dropped by 12% in 2023, and pre-owned boat sales fell by 6%. The overall U.S. fleet of boats 25 feet or larger has been decreasing and the Bay Area is not immune to this phenomenon. With the average age of these boats at 33 years, we are witnessing a troubling trend where sailing is becoming more of a relic from the past rather than a growing pursuit for future generations.
We must make sailing and other forms of boating, including all types of aquatic recreation, accessible to as many as possible and there is no better setting than Richardson’s Bay. Its picturesque inlet is a perfect environment for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Yet, the costs of boat ownership, driven by rising operating expenses and complex and stringent regulations, have made getting out on the water more difficult than ever. At KKMI, the prices we set are not arbitrary; they reflect the costs of doing business in a landscape shaped by real estate prices, environmental guidelines, and our commitment to pay fair wages to our skilled employees.
Supporting Local Marinas and Small Businesses
The marinas and boatyards of Sausalito are unique in that they are owned not by large corporations but by local small businesses and multigenerational waterfront families. These businesses are critical to our community because they bring a personal touch, a legacy of stewardship, and a deep commitment to keeping the Bay accessible to all.
We need to support these local enterprises, which are navigating a complex web of regulatory requirements from multiple agencies like the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), Army Corps of Engineers, State Water Resources Control Board, California Air Resources Board (CARB), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Fish and Wildlife, and many others.
We are fortunate to have a model of regulatory oversight locally that balances our work with the preservation of our natural resources. However, we must ensure that these regulations are implemented in a way that does not create insurmountable barriers for small businesses. The aim should be to keep compliance costs reasonable, allowing local businesses to continue providing affordable services to the community while also protecting our environment. As important as the laws are, they need to be enforced. It is no small matter that of the 13 boatyards operating on the Bay, only three are Clean Certified.
Challenges for Our Workforce
At KKMI, we strive to hire the very best employees, and to do so, we offer highly competitive wages. Many of our employees speak English as a second language. Despite our efforts, these workers often face significant challenges finding affordable housing in the area. This lack of local housing options forces them into long commutes, leading to suboptimal environmental outcomes, higher turnover rates, a diminished quality of life and financial stability, and difficulty integrating with the Sausalito community they serve.
To truly address these issues, we need the City of Sausalito to partner with the Sausalito Sustainable Waterfront Association to expand local housing options, particularly liveaboard options. Together, we can create a comprehensive plan to develop affordable housing solutions that meet the needs of our local workforce. By doing so, we will not only improve the quality of life for these essential workers but also strengthen the bond between the boatyards, marinas, and the community they support.
Feeder Activities: Pathways to the Water
To sustain and grow our boating community, we need to think beyond traditional boat ownership “recreational marina uses.” We must create and promote ”feeder activities” with accessible forms of aquatic recreation that introduce people to the joys of the water without the initial high cost of owning a vessel. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Public beach and swimming areas, paddleboard facilities, kayaking clubs, sailing schools, and community sailing programs are just a few examples of such feeder activities. These opportunities can act as gateways, nurturing a love for the Bay, while protecting and preserving it and encouraging broader participation. Some of these already exist, but they need support and planning beyond charity from “those on the hill” to be sustainable.
Richardson’s Bay, with its calm waters and stunning views, is the perfect place to engage newcomers in these and other activities. By creating more access points for these forms of water-based recreation, we can bring a new generation of enthusiasts to the Bay, planting the seeds that may one day grow into a passion for sailing or boating. To secure the future of our waterfront citywide, we should focus on what we can control—specifically, the restrictive local land use regulations that currently limit innovative uses of recreational marinas and shoreline parcels. By addressing these limitations, we can take meaningful steps to shape a sustainable and thriving waterfront.
The Need for Regulatory Balance
The current regulatory framework, while well-intentioned, often imposes significant financial and operational burdens on boatyards and marinas. For example, even a seemingly straightforward task like replacing a piling for maintenance can become a lengthy and costly ordeal. The process can require permits from multiple agencies, including BCDC, Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and others.
Each agency has its own requirements and review timelines, leading to delays that can extend over a year, with costs ballooning due to permit fees, environmental studies, and mitigation measures. The high level of bureaucracy and conflicting regulations often means that businesses must navigate a maze of approvals, driving up costs for everyone involved.
The challenge lies in finding a balance that allows us to protect our precious waterways without stifling the very businesses that help people connect with them. To keep boating within reach for the average person, we need smart regulations that streamline the process and reduce unnecessary barriers, enabling marinas and boatyards to innovate and create new experiences for the public.
A Call to Action
Our goal should be clear: make the waters of Richardson’s Bay and the larger San Francisco Bay accessible to everyone. This is not just about preserving the legacy of sailing but about building a future where all forms of aquatic recreation are available to all people. By supporting our local marinas, reducing barriers to entry level boating, and fostering new forms of engagement with the water via common sense zoning reform, we can ensure that our community continues to grow and thrive.
We live surrounded by the most beautiful estuary on the planet. It is accessible every day, 12 months a year. The same thing can’t be said if you live in the Northeast. Let’s make sure that sailing, boating, and all the joys of being on the water are experiences that everyone can afford and enjoy. Together, with the support of BCDC, the city of Sausalito, and the Sausalito Sustainable Waterfront Association, we can keep our waters open, our communities vibrant, and our traditions alive for generations to come.
